Foster Youth Awareness Month is a dedicated time to raise awareness about the unique experiences and needs of foster youth within our communities. It serves as a crucial opportunity to highlight the challenges these individuals face and to emphasize the support systems available to help them thrive. Barstow Community College's NextUp program stands at the forefront of these efforts, providing transformative resources and guidance to foster youth navigating their educational journeys.
Since its inception in the fall of 2023, the NextUp program has grown significantly, reaching an increasing number of students each semester. In honor of Foster Youth Awareness Month, recognized in the month of May, NextUp organized a series of events aimed at fostering community involvement and understanding, further demonstrating the program's positive impact on foster youth.
One of the highlighted events was the "Getting Involved" gathering held on the BCC Campus in the K-building, the hub of NextUp activities. This event united the campus community, including staff, faculty, administration, and students, who showed their support by signing a pledge board. NextUp students shared their personal stories, offering firsthand accounts of their foster care experiences and how the program has positively influenced their educational pursuits.
BCC student, Samia Gayfield added, “NextUp has really given me the support I need. When I am really struggling, they are there for me.”
Shalia Rodgers echoed these sentiments, saying, “NextUp has helped me with so much extra support when it comes to resources or even when I need someone to talk to. I love the events offered to celebrate with family and peers. I would suggest any foster youth check it out.”
Oleta Wells also praised the program, stating, “The NextUp program has been a great help. They provide a lot of resources, and it is nice to connect to people that are like me. The stuff they provide and all the events we do, I enjoy it all very much and I am thankful for everything.”
Participants were given specially designed T-shirts as tokens of appreciation and joined in a group photo to commemorate their commitment to supporting foster youth.
NextUp's dedication to foster youth extends beyond the campus. In May, the program also organized an advisory committee meeting, inviting community partners and enrolled students. This meeting showcased the extensive services offered by NextUp and highlighted the community's shared responsibility in supporting foster youth. Through these partnerships, NextUp ensures that students have access to a comprehensive support network tailored to their specific needs, thereby strengthening the safety net for foster youth pursuing higher education.
Looking ahead, NextUp plans to expand its efforts for Foster Youth Awareness Month next year. The program aims to host a month-long series of activities, including workshops, guest speakers, and vendor exhibits. These initiatives will amplify the voices of foster youth and provide valuable resources to empower them on their educational journeys, demonstrating NextUp's commitment to continuous improvement and support for foster youth.
Through its unwavering commitment to fostering community engagement and providing essential support services, Barstow Community College's NextUp program continues to be a beacon of hope for foster youth. By ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to succeed academically and beyond, NextUp exemplifies the power of community in transforming lives and building brighter futures for all. Continuing to work with their community partners and supporters, Barstow Unified School District, Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Center, and Desert Sanctuary, NextUp is looking ahead to how they can continue to provide for their Foster Youth students.
Want to get involved and learn more about how you or your organization can support the Foster Youth of Barstow Community College? Contact Briann Garica at bgarcia@barstow.edu or eops@barstow.edu.
